DHA Vs. DHEA

by Adam Cloe

Supplements with similar abbreviations can have very different effects on the body. For example, the supplement DHA, which stands for docosahexaenoic acid, affects the body very differently than DHEA, which stands for dehydroepiandrosterone. Before taking any sort of supplement, check carefully to ensure that you are not confusing similarly named supplements and talk to your doctor.

DHA Sources

Docosahexaenoic acid is a type of omega-3 fatty acid. These types of fatty acids are generally found in fatty fish, such as salmon, herring, sardines and mackerel. If you are looking for supplements with DHA, you can find this type of fat in fish oil supplements or omega-3 fatty acid supplements. DHA is also present in breast milk and is added to some brands of baby formula to help supplement levels of this fatty acid in infant diets.

DHA Importance

The body is unable to make omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA, so it has to get them from the diet. DHA is needed for the development and maintenance of the nervous system and also helps control inflammation. People may also take DHA supplements to treat heart disease, depression, arthritis, menstrual pain and lupus. Omega-3 fatty acids may also help lower the levels of triglycerides and other fats in the blood.

DHEA Sources

Unlike DHA, DHEA is a hormone that is made by the human body. This substance is made by the adrenal gland and serves as a precursor to other hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. Synthetic DHEA can be made from chemicals found in soy and wild yam, but eating these foods will not increase DHEA levels in the human body. In fact, there are no foods that will increase DHEA levels.

DHEA Benefits

Taking DHEA supplements may help with many changes associated with aging, including osteoporosis, age spots/thinning skin and erectile dysfunction and certain neurological/psychiatric conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, depression and schizophrenia. People with inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and lupus may also benefit from DHEA supplements. Finally, DHEA can be used to treat adrenal insufficiency, HIV, chronic fatigue, heart disease, infertility and some kinds of cancer, although there isn't enough evidence to support its efficacy in these uses. DHEA may not be safe when used long term or when taken in doses higher than 50 to 100 milligrams per day.

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About the Author

Adam Cloe has been published in various scientific journals, including the "Journal of Biochemistry." He is currently a pathology resident at the University of Chicago. Cloe holds a Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry from Boston University, a M.D. from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. in pathology from the University of Chicago.

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